Zabaleta wants to crown off ‘best’ City season with Wembley victory

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By
Andy Hampson, Press Association


PUBLISHED:

09:26 GMT, 11 May 2013


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UPDATED:

09:26 GMT, 11 May 2013

Pablo Zabaleta feels he has become a 'more important' member of the Manchester City side this season.

The Argentina defender has enjoyed an outstanding campaign for the FA Cup finalists and has belatedly opened eyes away from the Etihad Stadium to his talents.

He now wants to crown the season with victory over Wigan at Wembley.

Making his mark: In a mixed campaign for City, Pablo Zabaleta has been their stand-out player

Making his mark: In a mixed campaign for City, Pablo Zabaleta has been their stand-out player

'Since signing for Manchester City it has been one of the best seasons for myself,' said the right-back, who joined City from Espanyol a day before Sheikh Mansour's takeover in August 2008.

'I have always been working hard to try to get a place in the team.

'I think being a more regular player this season has made me feel more important.'

Zabaleta was impressive enough in City's Barclays Premier League title-winning campaign last season but manager Roberto Mancini's preference for rotating full-backs meant he was not a regular starter.

One foot in the final: Samir Nasri scored the opener against Chelsea in the semi-final when City won 2-1

One foot in the final: Samir Nasri scored the opener against Chelsea in the semi-final when City won 2-1

This season injuries to Micah Richards and new signing Maicon have left Mancini with little choice other than to make the 28-year-old a permanent fixture in his side.

He has grasped his opportunity fully and there would be much surprise if Zabaleta was not named as City's player of the year.

Despite that he is taking nothing for granted and knows competition will return next season.

He said: 'We have got Micah Richards and Maicon as well - three players for one position.

'So that means you always need to work hard and try to play good games to keep the place.'

Stand-in: When Vincent Kompany was injured Zabaleta took on the armband duties

Stand-in: When Vincent Kompany was injured Zabaleta took on the armband duties

Zabaleta made a three-minute substitute appearance when City beat Stoke to win the FA Cup two years ago.

He is set for a much bigger role this time.

He said: 'It is always special to go back to Wembley.

'It is important for us to keep going and keep winning trophies.

'The FA Cup is a massive competition in England and we will try to have a good game and win.'

City have enjoyed a relaxed build-up to the game and Zabaleta was one of several players rested for the midweek defeat of West Brom.

By contrast Wigan are embroiled in yet another battle against relegation but Zabaleta is reading nothing into that.

He said: 'We know it will be a difficult game, Wigan play very good football and they are very dangerous.

'I think it is a great opportunity for them to play their first FA Cup final ever and win it, so we need to keep working.

'We have worked very well this week to make sure we can stop them.'

Zabaleta had hoped his father would be able to travel over from Argentina to watch the game but it has not proved possible.

Zabaleta's father was badly injured in a road accident two years ago and cannot travel without assistance.

'No, he is not coming to the game,' said Zabaleta. 'Some friends from Spain will come to see it.'

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